Minimalism is the watchword at this recently opened, nine-room hotel in residential San Telmo, a 20-minute walk from downtown.

By Cintra Scott, Thursday, Dec 18, 2008, 2:13 PM

Babel Hotel

About this Hotel

'Hood San Telmo, on a cobblestoned street a couple of blocks from Plaza Dorrego, whose outdoor cafés are filled during the week and whose market of antiques and curiosities is crowded on Sundays.

First ImpressionIs this what happens when hostels grow up? The owners were in the hostel business before renovating this 1842 mansion, giving it recessed lighting and modern, Scandinavian-style built-ins in elegant dark wood. It opened in August 2008, so everything still looks shiny.

RoomsThe nine rooms vary in carpet and tile colors, but little else. Four "superior" rooms are slightly larger than the remaining five "standard" rooms, but all amenities are the same (TVs, DVD players, safes, private bathrooms, to name a few). Two rooms peer onto the street. The others look onto a quiet, interior courtyard.

PlusThe co-owners promise a 24-hour bilingual staff who can book you a table at a fine restaurant, a tango lesson, or a horseback ride in the country.

Minus No swimming pool. From the rooms, no views. No bathtubs (just showers).